With no feints or any other tactics, Date lands a clean left on Martinez, who immediately backs up. With no intention of allowing the champion to get into his rhythm, Date pursues him to the ropes and begins hitting his guard in a display of techniques that resemble his pre-retirement style. When the opportunity arrives, Martinez manages to change positions with Date, and throws the left that Ippo had so much trouble against. Date turns his head and dodges, while returning a left of his own. The match becomes an exchange of lefts where neither boxer lands a hit. When the lefts cross, they get ready to throw their right hands, but the round ends and the go back to their corners.

Nakadai congratulates Date on winning the round and tells him to not falter, but Date notices that it is the coach the one who is afraid. he tells him not to worry about him losing in the same round twice. Stewart notices how much Date has leveled up, but Martinez says that since he has leveled up as well, there is no difference from the first fight.